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Bill

SB 5089

Concerning funding rural county coroners and medical examiners.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Mike Chapman and 1 co-sponsor

SB 5089 would increase state funding support for rural county coroners and medical examiners to address chronic underfunding of death investigation services.

Public hearing in the Senate Committee on Local Government at 1:30 PM.
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Bill Summary · SB 5089

Legislative bill overview

SB 5089 addresses funding mechanisms for rural county coroners and medical examiners in Washington State. The bill seeks to improve financial support for these county officials who perform critical death investigation and certification duties, particularly in counties with limited tax bases and resources.

Why is this important

Rural counties often struggle to adequately fund death investigation services, which can lead to delays in autopsies, incomplete death investigations, and strain on already-limited county budgets. Proper coroner and medical examiner funding directly affects public health record-keeping, criminal investigation support, and the ability to serve grieving families with timely death certifications.

Potential points of contention

  • State vs. local funding responsibility: Debate over whether the state should increase funding versus expecting counties to prioritize budgeting for these services
  • Funding distribution formula: How to fairly allocate state resources among rural counties of varying populations and resources without creating unfair advantages or disadvantages
  • Implementation costs: Whether proposed funding mechanisms are sustainable long-term or require ongoing state budget appropriations that may compete with other priorities

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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